Residents tell Carol Stream board to fix chronic flooding, sanitary backups in multiple neighborhoods

Multiple residents described repeated and severe flooding during recent storms — including a July 4 event — and urged the village to take engineering, maintenance or construction steps to reduce chronic overland flow and sewer infiltration.

Robert Harrington told the board that drainage designations and prior blueprints were not disclosed to property buyers and that four homes are being repeatedly affected; he asked who is responsible and whether the village would allocate funds to assess and repair swales and pipes. "Will Carol Stream allocate dollars to do the assessment or assist with the landscaping or piping connections necessary to remediate this situation?" Harrington asked.

Lou Laurie (address given) said Carol Stream Public Works provided blueprints dated 02/22/1974 that show swales that now appear obstructed by vegetation or berms; he asked staff to physically inspect prints and consider installing a backyard drain to County Farm Road. Denise Ortiz and Rishami Patel described garage and basement flooding, clogged drains and in Patel’s case a past sanitary backup; Patel said he provided photos and video to village engineering and asked for help. Raul Bransford, a Chicago-licensed plumber, recommended sealing manholes and jetting catch basins to remove stoppage.

Village staff said engineering is investigating conditions around Mr. Patel's house and asked residents to provide contact information and evidence for follow-up. The board did not commit a specific funding amount at the meeting but said staff would follow up with residents.